In Passing – April 2010

Musician Awards
We thank Danny O’Neill, Cork whose mother is Mary, daughter of Rosie Kelleher, Murphy’s Terrace, Millstreet, for the following uplifting information regarding the impressive success of two local very talented musicians (whose photographs appear on millstreet.ie). Here is Danny’s very fine article:
Recently I was at a concert in UCC where Kenneth Cremin, son of Breda and Denis from the Priest Cross Millstreet and Cáit Buckley with connections to Aubane both received the 2010 “Doc Gleeson” award for Musical Achievement at a special concert held at the Aula Maxima, Main Campus in UCC. Kenneth played a piece of Classical music by Steve Reich on the electric guitar while Cáit Buckley played a collection of music on the harp. Two other students who also recieved the Doc Gleeson Award were Enda Buckley who played rock music on the guitar and Tara Breen from County Clare played a section of Irish jigs on the fiddle. Tara who was on the recent series “Lorg Lunny” on TG4 has been chosen by music legend Donal Lunny to be part of his new band “Cirrus” who played their first concert last Saturday night on television . A Gamelan concert was held in late March at which Kenneth Cremin performed playing different intruments. This is a concert of new music, dance and traditional Japanese music performed by the UCC Gamelan with special guests Colin Dunne of “Riverdance” fame and Kate Ellis, renowned cellist. This concert also honours Aloys Fleischmann Professor of Music at UCC from 1934 to 1980. The title of the concert was “Telephones and Gongs”. Current Professor of music at UCC, Mr Mel Mercier said that the present class of music students were a very talented group. After a non stop two hour concert a five minute standing ovation was given to the Students by a full audience. So well done to Kenneth, Cáit and Millstreet!

Garden Fete
After almost twenty years Millstreet is happily again to experience a Drishane Garden Fete on Sunday, 30th May 2010. It will, as always, be an afternoon event and Thomas Duggan indicates that it will be an event with something to offer everyone on the day. All proceeds from this wonderful day will go towards the Baby Jacob Fund. Considering the great success of “A Night at the Castle” in 2009 the forthcoming Garden Fete should prove hugely popular and is likely to be much welcomed by Drishane’s many Past Pupils from far and wide. Thomas suggests if anyone had any unwanted presents since Christmas still in new condition they would be greatly appreciated to be used as prizes. These can be dropped to Green Glens, Drishane Castle, or Duggan’s Shop at any time. It is proposed that there will be a photographic and audio-visual presentation in the magnificent setting of Drishane Chapel. For updates on the Baby Jacob Project including a number of appearances on TV3 visit www.millstreet.ie . The website will also feature ongoing developments on preparations for the forthcoming Garden Fete.

Museum News
It was indeed with sadness we noted the passing to his Eternal Reward of the late Pádraig Tyers in Cork. Pádraig was such a wonderful Gentleman of the very highest calibre. He was the true inspirer of “Picture Millstreet” which he so splendidly launched on 7th December 1997 at Green Glens, Millstreet in front of a capacity audience. I recall what a joy it was meeting with Pádraig and his wife Betty initially after the 1993 Eurovision when Noel C. Duggan introduced both people to me. On that occasion we visited Millstreet Museum at the Carnegie Hall. Both visitors were delighted to meet with our own Monsignor Manning here at Millstreet Presbytery because of the Corca Dhuibhne connection. They were so very welcoming and great sources of inspiration. The book sold out and also the reprint within a few short years….It has now become a collector’s item. I also recall Pádraig’s excellent lectures at UCC on audio-visual themes….when I was doing my H.D.E.. His sincere love of the Dingle Peninsula, his Waterford roots, his marvellous sporting achievements and his magnificent writings are treasured memories for Family and Friends. Ar deis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
We are indeed grateful to the relatives of the late Peg Dennehy who was local correspondent supreme for the Kilcorney/Rathcoole/Banteer area for many dedicated years. Peg had very carefully kept copies of every “Clara News” over the years. This wonderful historic resource has recently been presented to Millstreet Museum.
We shall in time share information on any updates (when such come to hand) of the re-establishment of our local Museum/Tourist Information Centre at Carnegie Hall.

Our Faithful Departed
Over the past few weeks many good people have sadly gone to their Eternal Reward. The lives of many have been enriched by having known such people. May they all rest in peace. We especially remember Conchubhar Ó hÉalaithe, Drishane Road, Millstreet. Conchubhar was such an absolute gentleman of the very highest calibre. In the 1970s and 1980s I had the great privilege of being a Junior Teaching Colleague on the wonderfully dedicated teaching team associated with the Coláiste Samhraidh at St. Michael’s Rosminian College in Omeath, Co. Louth beside the beautiful Carlingford Bay and later in St. McNissi’s College near Larne, Co. Antrim. It was Conchubhar’s Training College friend, the late Mícheál Ó Duinnín of Carlingford and Conchubhar himself who enthusiastically established this truly excellent and remarkable Summer School where hundreds of students from the 32 counties not only learned to fondly appreciate the Irish language but were so magnificently inspired in developing such a real love of a far broader dimension of Irish culture..by two of Ireland’s greatest teachers…Mícheál and Conchubhar (assisted by a supportive team). Among the many who attended the recent Funeral Mass for Conchubhar – Mícheál’s wife, May and son Pádraig who travelled from Dundalk, Co. Louth. We all have treasured memories of this utterly sincere, forever witty and superbly understanding and approachable Friend, Conchubhar Ó hÉalaithe. “Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.” In time we hope to compile audiovisual memories of Conchubhar which have been recorded over the years. These precious recordings will feature on LTV2 and on our website in time to come. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
Another good person who had such a positive effect on Millstreet life was the late Mary O’Connor, “Duneden”, Boherbue. We remember the late Mary who along with the late Tadhg O’Driscoll established the very popular Millstreet Gramophone Circle some years ago. Mary who recently went to her Eternal Reward, was such a true Lady of the highest calibre who shared many musical gems with numerous Gramophone Circles from her fascinating collection of treasured recordings. For almost thirty years Mary had dedicatedly devoted her great musical talents and sincere energy to the Boherbue Church Choir. A special Millstreet Gramophone Circle presentation in tribute to Mary took place on Friday, 16th April 2010. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
We also remember Tom Enright, Newcastlewest; Sheila & Mary Bridget Ring, formerly of Coolinarne, Millstreet; Margaret O’Leary, Carriganima; Sr. Senan O’Connell, Presentation Convent, Rathmore; Margaret O’Connor, Shanaknock, Millstreet; Sr. Aloysius Lynch, Mooncoin & Kippagh; Catherine (Cáit) Cronin, Kilmeedy; Tom Quilter, Tralee (brother of Sr. Noreen Quilter); Rory O’Connor, Lismire. May they all rest in peace.
Brieflets
A truly magnificent Wall Hanging on a Millstreet Theme was recently officially launched at Millstreet Library. The very colourful work of art – the result of a wonderfully energetic workshop over a number of weeks under the expert direction of Artist Amanda Wright and many enthusiastic participants, will be viewed by future generations. Librarian Breda O’Leary is delighted with the very positive reaction to this newest addition at our local Library which has seen such uplifting developments in recent years.

LTV2 Millstreet season comes to an end shortly. We’ve had lots of encouraging comments over the past season. We feel quite privileged to have formed such a genuine friendship with the now famous “Crystal Swing” whom we featured on LTV2 some two years ago when William Fitzgerald filmed Mary, Dervla & Derek at Charleville Park Hotel. With Mary’s husband, Michael, all accorded us a royal welcome to their home in Lisgoold near Midleton just before global recognition emerged. We wish this wonderful family every success and good luck in the years ahead. To appear on such a popular primetime television Show as “Ellen” in such a short few months is real fame at a hugely international level!

Ever increasing numbers of browsers continue to visit www.millstreet.ie . Considering the daily updates (sometimes two and three times daily!) and the vast variety of subjects covered with so many pictures and video clips it’s not at all surprising that it has attracted such wide attention. Our sincere thanks to Hannelie O’Connor and to Michael Cashman for such total dedication sharing their valuable time and wonderful talents – entirely on a voluntary basis – in making our website such a part of our everyday life in Millstreet.
Special thanks also to Bernard Crowley of LTV2 Millstreet for uploading the special video clip highlights of various LTV2 programmes. These clips have been enormously enjoyed by our web visitors overseas who cannot receive the regular weekly programmes when broadcasted to the Duhallow, Muskerry and Sliabh Luachra areas.

Seán Murphy and I recorded for LTV2 a feature at Clondrohid Community Hall on Saturday, 10th April which was the final night of the truly spectacular “Glitz at the Ritz” presentation by the Show Stoppers. We were indeed privileged to witness a production of which Oscar Night in Hollywood would be justly proud. All those involved must take a huge bow on such a superbly professional Show. Check out our website www.millstreet.ie for a selection of pictures from this amazing production. This has been the fifth year of the Show Stoppers presentations.

What a marvellous success at Green Glens on Easter Sunday – this splendid Vintage Family Fun Day is likely to become an annual event – such was the enthusiastic reaction of the many visitors, participants and organisers.

We wish Niamh Kavanagh every success in this year’s Eurovision – Niamh has not forgotten Millstreet and recently sent us a message on Facebook on how special Millstreet has been to her and in particular the memory of the beautiful presentation she received some months later when Millstreet invited her back in 1993 to celebrate her historic Eurovision win in Millstreet.

Thought for Reflection: “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation!”

by Seán Radley. In Passing also appears in the Clara News